Bangladesh, Switzerland to work for stronger ties

Published : 13 Mar 2017, 18:05

Jagoroniya Desk

On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh on Monday, the foreign ministers of both the countries decided vowed to strengthen their cooperation on a wide range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.

Switzerland was among the first countries to recognize independent Bangladesh. At present, Bangladesh is one of the priority countries of Switzerland in terms of development cooperation.

Trade ties between the two countries are also growing rapidly. Trade volume has more than doubled since 2010. Since 2013, the foreign ministries of the two countries are holding regular political consultations.

The third edition of the consultation is scheduled to take place in Switzerland this year.

The foreign ministers of Switzerland and Bangladesh exchanged letters extending cordial congratulations to each other and underscoring the excellent relations and friendship between the two countries, according to a press release of Swiss embassy in Dhaka.

The foreign minister of Bangladesh in his letter sent to his Swiss counterpart highlighted the historic relations between the two countries which is based on mutual respect, trust and shared values for democracy, tolerance and secularism.

He also mentioned that the two countries are bound by common interests on a wide range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, in his letter to Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, wrote that the excellent relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh have grown and multiplied since March 13, 1972, the day when Switzerland recognised the independence of Bangladesh.

In the letter, Federal Councillor Burkhalter also conveyed his most sincere wishes to the people of Bangladesh for a prosperous future, according to the release.